T.R.A.C.K.S. students learn with Extension STEM class

When the Franklin County Cooperative Extension hosts Summer Fun Shops each Tuesday in June and July, one group of participants is always guaranteed: Franklin County T.R.A.C.K.S. groups.

The summer program students have weekly taken advantage of the Extension program to introduce Franklin County students to STEM, history and arts principles.

“Franklin County Schools is very fortunate to work with the Franklin County Cooperative services in many capacities,” said FCS community education director Dr. Susan Hargett. “Not only do our students participate in Summer Fun Shops, but the Extension is a co-applicant for our two 21st Century grants providing STEM, health, fitness and parenting activities. Extension services play a vital part in making our afterschool and summer T.R.A.C.K.S. Programs a tremendous success.”

Last week students participated in their last Extension program for the summer, Shipwrecked. Participants learned about boats and the properties of water and built a “boat” that could handle cargo of one cup of dry beans. The boats, which were created using materials like Styrofoam plates and cups, straws, sponges, tape and putty, were tested for their seaworthiness in a filled kiddie pool, with the lesson led by the Extensions’ Leslie Goins.

“(The summer program) been great. The kids are overwhelmed with the amount of STEM activities and Extension offices activities they get to do,” said Leann Trapp, site lead teacher for T.R.A.C.K.S. at East Franklin. “Our world is so involved in math, science and technology right now. For these students to understand how everything works and to be able to compete with what they’re going into, they really need science, math and technology every day.”

“We’re just trying to explore their minds concerning STEM. We never know who might be the next engineer in this county,” said Extension Director Katernia Cole-Coffey. “We’re just trying to … open their minds to different things.”

It’s an effort, Trapp said, the students have enjoyed.

“They love it,” Trapp said. “They are so involved, and they love it so much. It’s exciting to watch them … This is something they love doing.”